Solar Freaks

There are quite a few people using this unit now, and i have yet to write a proper set of usage instructions. Therefore, this thread will contain a set of instructions and support for users.


INTRO:

Than nanometer is Solar Panel IV Curve Sweeper. Its main purpose is to sweep a solar panels entire I/V curve, store the curve in memory, run a few calculations, and display some useful output data. If required, you may also dump the raw data to PC and plot a curve.

The output data includes: Voc Isc Vmpp Impp and FF.

It can also be used as a sunlight-meter displaying a % of full sunlight and a DC Power meter.



POWERING THE UNIT:

The unit is powered by either one of two ways.
1) USB power, provided by a nearby laptop or PC. Requires a standard USB cable. Refer to picture below..



2) Or a 6.5 - 9 volt battery pack (5 alkaline or 6xNiMH preferred). Connected to the power pins on the back of the PCB.
Power pins shown in below picture..



BASIC OPERATION:
The Nanometer has 2 buttons. A Menu Button (botton button) which is used to cycle through the menu, and an Enter button (top button) used to execute an operation.





To be continued..

Hi Tony
Just been having a look at some of the functions can you please explain the in sun testing and sunlight meter. Do I need a calibrated panel to use these functions ?

Yes you do.

If you have a solar panel that was tested at last years national event, you may use it as a calibrated panel if you know its short circuit Current.


Basic instructions for the light meter are:

1) Aquire a panel with a known output current between 400mA and 800mA.

2) Enter the reference current setting into the nanometer. Instructions are:
i) Go to the light meter screen.
ii) Hold the Execute (top) button, then press the Menu (bottom) button, whilst still holding the execute button.
Once you enter the sub-menu let go of both buttons.
iii) Press/hold the Execute button to enter the reference panel current.
iv) Hold the menu button to exit the sub-menu.

3) Connect the reference panel and a light reading will be displayed.



I will post further instruction for in-sun testing soon.
When testing on a light-box, make sure in-sun testing is NOT turned on.